Rebbetzin Jungreis on the Holocaust

As the new Yad Vashem museum opens, a survivor of Bergen-Belsen speaks of Jewish courage, resistance and triumph.

The diminutive frame of Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis belies her stature as a Jewish juggernaut. Jungreis and her extended family were deported from Hungary to Bergen-Belsen in the waning days of World War II. Prior to the Holocaust, 85 rabbis in Hungary bore the name Jungreis. Only 10 survived.

Jungreis was motivated to replace the loss, and in 1973 she founded the Hineni organization to combat spiritual erosion in American Jewry. Today her weekly Torah class in Manhattan draws crowds of 1,500 people. She is the author of numerous books, including The Committed Life and The Committed Marriage (HarperCollins), and she delivered the closing benediction at the 2004 Republican National Convention.

This month, Jungreis was in Israel, having been chosen by President Bush as one of seven people to represent the U.S. at the inauguration of Yad Vashem’s state-of-the-art $56 million Holocaust museum. Jungreis spoke to Aish.com in Jerusalem.

Aish.com: You arrived at Bergen-Belsen as a seven-year-old child. What gave you the strength to survive?

Jungreis: When I stood for roll call every morning, freezing and without food, my head shaved because of lice, and a number tattooed on my arm, I knew that my people would survive. I could not be sure whether I myself would survive, but I knew that the Jewish people would survive.

Aish.com: What gave you this confidence?

Jungreis: My father was a great rabbi, and in the blackness of the camp he always assured me that the miracle of Jewish survival would happen once again.

In every generation, someone stands up to annihilate us, as we say at the Passover Seder. And it always looks as if we won’t make it. In ancient Egypt, it looked like the Jews would be gone. In ancient Persia, the Purim story, it looked like Haman would have his way and annihilate us. In ancient Rome, as millions of our people were slaughtered along with the burning of our Holy Temple, it looked like the Jewish people had reached the end.

But these so-called great empires disappeared. And against all odds, we are still here. Not just surviving, but thriving. It is a miracle.

Aish.com: In Bergen-Belsen, you witnessed the most horrible inhumanities. How were you able to maintain a sense of dignity?

Jungreis: My faith in God and Torah helped lift me above the horror. Every day, I said, ‘Thank God that I am Jew, and that I am not one of the evil beasts perpetrating this unspeakable terror.’

Aish.com: What does the Holocaust teach us about mankind?

Jungreis: The Holocaust demonstrated the fallacy of a Godless world. Germany was the most cultured, enlightened, sophisticated and well-educated society of its day. And who perpetrated this horrific evil? Not illiterates. It was Germany’s elite -- physicians, scientists, attorneys.

King David said, ‘The beginning of all wisdom is respect for God.’ Without that, there is nothing. The collapse of the Nazi ideal is a triumph of the Jewish ideal.

Aish.com: From a spiritual perspective, what do we learn from the Holocaust?

Jungreis: This is a very painful question, and very difficult for people to accept. We are a nation that has a special covenant with God, to bring his message to the world. If we neglect that mission, then Amalek -- the embodiment of Godlessness and evil -- comes to remind us who we are.

So ultimately the Holocaust is to inspire Jews. The sages say that Haman, who was from the family of Amalek, did more to bring the Jewish people close to God than even the Jewish prophets were able to do.

Aish.com: I imagine some people are shocked to hear the idea of the Holocaust inspiring Jews.

Jungreis: Of course it can’t be compared to the Purim story, because our generation does not have an Esther and a Mordechai to galvanize the people. But we have certainly seen a Jewish awakening, with tens of thousands of young people taking a deeper look at Torah and mitzvot.

The Holocaust compelled people to confront their Jewishness. After such an unspeakable calamity, every Jew must look inside and consider: Hitler tried to exterminate my people. Will I, through apathy and indifference, become a partner to Hitler? Or will my life convey a testimony to the glory of the Jewish people?

My sense is that the thriving of Torah in Israel and America was in large part born through the tragedy of Auschwitz. The Jewish people made a conscience effort to rebuild out of the ashes. Without that necessity, American Jewry might have withered. It is painful to consider. But every birth is painful.

The sun sets, and the sun rises. It is dichotomous, but that is the history of our nation.

Aish.com: There are more than 250 Holocaust museums and memorials worldwide. What makes Yad Vashem so unique?

Jungreis: A Holocaust museum in any other part of the world is a memorial to the six million. But in Jerusalem it is a testament to our coming home, the fulfillment of prophecy that the Jewish people will return to the Land of Israel.

Aish.com: Is there one moment that galvanized this message for you?

Jungreis: In Bergen Belsen, before Rosh Hashana, my father and other rabbis tried to obtain a shofar. And for the price of 300 cigarettes, they succeeded. It was a miracle because 300 cigarettes in the camp was like billions of dollars. So my father made a blessing and blew the shofar. Of course the Germans came and beat us mercilessly, but it was all worth it because this is the epitome of Jewish courage, Jewish resistance, Jewish triumph.

Then a few years ago I was giving a lecture in Israel, and I told this story about the shofar. A woman in the audience stood up, and started to cry. She said, ‘When that shofar blew, I was in the adjacent camp. The shofar was later smuggled into our camp, and my father blew the shofar for us, too. And I have that shofar in my possession.’ So right then she went home and brought back the shofar. And there we were, the two of us, in our holy Land of Israel, crying, holding the shofar.

If Hitler would have known that Israel’s thriving Torah community would emerge from the ashes of the Holocaust, he would have never made the Holocaust.

That’s why I believe the term ‘Holocaust survivor’ is erroneous. The Jewish people did not merely ‘survive’ the Holocaust. We triumphed over it. We rebuilt the spiritual core of our people. Am Yisrael Chai. It is truly a miracle.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Rabbi Shraga Simmons grew up trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York, enjoying summers as a tour guide at Niagara Falls. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He is the co-founder of Aish.com, and founder of the Torah study site, JewishPathways.com. He is also the co-founder of HonestReporting.com, and author of "David & Goliath", the definitive treatment of media bias against Israel (2012). He lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 24

(24)
Anonymous,
August 26, 2016 4:21 AM

She will certainly be missed.

A woman who can stand up for Torah and yiddishkeit without compromise. She was an Ohr Lagoyim- a light for all nations. I am proud to be a part of the same nation that she was. I hope to learn from her ways.

(23)
John,
April 18, 2007 1:37 PM

Very old post of mine

B"H

But wanted to say I really admire the Rebbetzin! I've just bought a second book of the Rebbetzin and I recently spoke Rebbetzin through email, I think the Rebbetzin is great and an inspiring woman! B"H

John

(22)
Carol Notestein,
January 18, 2006 12:00 AM

Jewish faith gave them the courage and grace necessary to remind the world that they could never be totally destroyed.

It is hard to understand how anyone could carry out the barbaric cruelties that became daily events, not only in the camps, but throughout the towns and cities of so many countries. The visciousness of those who tried to eliminate an entire people through torture, starvation, and immeasurable cruelty is even more devastating when we realize that those who carried out the orders or acted on their own to humiliate and destroy were "ordinary citizens" not simply a few psychotic persons with great power. Hitler did everything he could to bring about the total annihilation of those he viewed as less worthy of life, but it was the Jewish people who were his primary target. The blowing of the Shofar, a seemingly small but symbolic act, made a louder, stronger, more meaningful statement about the dignity and faith of a people than all the noise and viscious attacks made by the Nazis. It shouted to all who heard it, "We are still here, we still believe, and we will not only survive, but like the plants and trees that push up through the ashes after a forest fire, we will again be a vital, thriving and prosperous nation whose presence and unconquerable spirit will positively impact the world."

(21)
Anonymous,
May 20, 2005 12:00 AM

How do you sleep at night with out remembering all the evial things that happend to you and your family

I can not even imagain what those people did to you and all the other jews. I think you are a very strong woman to have been able to live threw it and i think you are and even stronger woman for not holding a grouge against those who dont deserve the hardships that you had to go threw.

(20)
Eugene,
May 2, 2005 12:00 AM

Thanks for sharing !

Thanks to all those who have lived the " Holocaust " and have acccepted to share this with us who escaped. We have to be remembered that no matter what happens, and History has proven this, Israel's children can survive.
Thanks to the Most High - Am Israel Chai ! Shalom u levrakha. Eugene

(19)
Volvi,
May 2, 2005 12:00 AM

More Paralels

I read the article and was moved by the Rebbetzen's words. However like a few other comments made here by others I have to offer an alternative view to why the Shoah happened. Hardly to strengthen Yiddishkeit for most know Yiddishkeit was thriving in Eastern pre war Europe. Aside the assimilated community within Germany, from which a whole lesson may be learned from to which I intend to touch upon later.

Why did the Shoah happen? I cannot claim to know Hashem and his workings but can only offer what I see may possibly be the reasons. "Kibbutz Galuyot" - Ingathering of the exiles, was prophecised some two thousand years ago. How could it come about? Whilst in the late 1800's the movement of Jews electing to go up to Jerusalem ironically came mostly from the secular Zionists of Jewery. Be they from Hashomeir Hatzair etc. Orthodox Jewery rarely if ever made such a move. They repeatedly said "Ven Mashiach vet kummen - den mir alle vet gein tzi Eretz Yisroel" Translated, "When Mashiach will come, then we shall all go to Eretz Yisroel" This became a 'mantra' amongst Jews for generations. Like at the Seder table "L'Shono Haboh B'Yerushalyim" Next year in Jerusalem. Why next year? Why not go this year if one yearns for it so? But rather Yiddishkeit evolved in a 'cultural system' where true faith may have been somewhat lacking. The pre war Jew left it all in the hands of God to do or not to do. Whilst Emunah (faith) in Hashem is a requisite in Yiddishkeit, 'M'asit' (action) was lacking. Hashem works through us, we cannot sit back and just wait for Hashem to do all the work for us. Bottom line pre war Jewery of eastern Europe were so entrenched and felt safe in Golus (Diaspora). There was no motivation to move or seek, desire to live in Eretz Hakodesh as they so oftenly prayed for. 'Life was good' Move to 'Palestine' where we Jews have to fight and perhaps die for our land? No Thanks, I will wait for mashiach here in my Shtetel and every year sing L'Shono Haboh B'Yerushalyim whist my secular brothers can do all the fighting and dying. God says "My ways are not your ways". So you think your safe there in Europe? So you think paying me 'lip service' will do? Let me show you. If I have to bring about Kibbutz Galuyot (ingathering) the hard way - so be it.

Beware my fellow Jews for the same lesson may yet have to be repeated. Absurd! you say? So you think your still safe in Europe? Or you American Jews especially no doubt you have little desire to move from the comforts of your existence. How many of you have assimilated and lost your identity? Can you not compare yourselves with the Jews of Germany? They too felt safe. They too served in theyre hosts army and were decorated soldiers in WW1. They too assimilated and became as German as theyre neighbour. Don't you consider yourself as American as your neighbour? Beware my brothers and sisters. For we Jews have had every easy opportunity to move to Israel in over the last 50 years. But many have chosen not too. Do you not see the same pattern? Do you not think its possible that all Jews in New York say may God forbid be wiped out in a flash, a literal flash. Do you not know New York is the primary target for facist Islamists? Who think its the financial hub of America and by destroying that city they have brought America down. And yet even this terrible act maybe retribution by Hashem for feeling satisfied in your Golus. beware my fellow Yidden. Be not consoled by re-assurances of your Rabbonim. The pre war Kehillos also asked their Rabbonim and were all told to stay put - Hakodosh Baruch hu vet helffen. Only they too went with theyre flock into the gas chambers.

I realise that much of what I have said may be hard to digeste. But thats the way I see it, hopefully I am wrong and know not Gods ways. Rebbitzen - I am second generation holcaust 'survivor' My family came from Kecskemet Hungary of whom very few survived.

B'Shanah Haze B'Yerushalyim

Volvi

(18)
Gary Selikow,
April 25, 2005 12:00 AM

Parralels

There are troubling parallels between the systematic vilification of Jews before the Holocaust and the current vilification of the Jewish people and Israel. Suffice it to note the annual flood of anti-Israel resolutions at the UN; or the anti-Israel culture that has taken such fast route in universties across the world ; the anti-Israel demonology of the world's media or the divestment campaigns being waged against Israel; or the attempts to delegitimize Israel's very existence.
If remembering Auschwitz should teach us anything, it is that we must all support Israel and her people against the vilification and the complicity we are witnessing, knowing where it inevitably leads.

As with the holocaust, the same kind of Jew-haters will again attempt to appease Arab rage with Jewish blood and land. We must stand up against it. Jews are still dying for only one reason; being a Jew.

Just as the Nazis could not have carried out the Shaoh without having poisoned the minds of the people of Germany and much of the rest of Europe against the Jews, anti-Israel propaganda is undertaken with the aim of paving the way for the genocide of the Jews of Israel,

As the Nazis used KAPOS and the Judenrat to help carry out the Shoah , so many of the key anti-Israel propagandists today are born Jewish. The fact of their Jewish birth should not excuse their contribution to the vile propaganda against the Israeli people.

Recently I re-watched Schindler's List on video - one of the images that stands out in my mind from that movie is that of as beautiful Jewish girl child, of about four years of age, in a bright red jacket, which is the only colour plate in the black and white movie. Schindler observes this angelic child making her way through the crowds of Jews who are being herded out the ghetto by the Nazis. We see the little girl hiding under a bed, terrified, and that is the last time we see her, before we see later in the movie, her mangled little body, being wheeled to the crematorium on a trolley, identified by her red jacket.

The story of the little girl in red made me think of another child. A beautiful and vivacious child, who was murdered 60 years later by Arafatian terrorists at Adura in Judea, as she hid terrified under her parent's bed-Danielle Shefi.
In recent years Thousands of Israeli Jewish men, women and children have died from bombs, bullets or knife attacks, and thousands of others have been maimed, blinded, orphaned, widowed and terrorized.

G-D bless the lovely souls of the angels - the little girl in red who died at Auschwitz, and of Danielle Shefi, who died at Adura. . G-D bless the souls of all Jewish children murdered by the enemies of the Jews and of Israel.

(17)
Leah PettePiece,
April 15, 2005 12:00 AM

Another Survivor

My mother gave birth to me three days before reaching Ellis Island New York, she and her sister and I in my own way survived Auschwtiz. My mother was just pregnant when they were picked up. My mother was corageous in a way that exemplifies what Rabbi Jungries tells of, at Ellis Island she had to leave me in the care of her sister because she had TB and they sent her back on the ship she had come on to be sent later to a sanitarium in England. I found her again later when I was fourteen, she was living in Jerusalem running an orphage. When she shared with me how difficult it was to give me up and not now how I would survie I couldn't believe her courage. She spoke often and fondly of a Doctor whose name was Pearl who was in the camp and had helped her hide the fact that she was pregnant. I was wondering if anyone out there knows this doctor?
I have published a book about my life: " I Am My Mother's Memory".

(16)
Merlock,
April 6, 2005 12:00 AM

Wonderful

An inspirational story. Best of luck to you all, and God bless.

(15)
Maxx Rath,
April 1, 2005 12:00 AM

We think of.............

We think of the Jewish people in the death camps being passive, accepting their lot as being the will of G_D, and awaiting their death. Ms Jungreis Torah story of religious resistance within
the camps is certainly heart warming.

(14)
Rhona Magelowitz,
March 22, 2005 12:00 AM

With whom will we choose a partnership?

Rebetzin Esther Jungreis has been an inspiration to me since 1968 when I first truly came to know her. I babysat for her beautiful children! I applaud her work and will never forget the dynamic event when she appeared at Madison Square Garden and completely mesmerized a huge crowd of people of all ages!! It was a privilege for me to have attended. My daughter, who was born in 1972, is inspired by the Rebetzin as well and remembers speeches made by Rabbi Jungreis on Shabbat mornings in Ohr Torah, and I hear her repeating words of wisdom she has retained from both the Rabbi and Rebetzin. Thank you for a lifetime of inspriration.

(13)
imbloom@verizon.net,
March 22, 2005 12:00 AM

well worth the read

This woman is so compelling. She is so positive in her outlook. A wonderful speaker. Enjoy Ira.

(12)
Paula,
March 21, 2005 12:00 AM

What a wonderful article. Rebbetzin Jungreis is a wonderful inspiration to all.

I enjoyed this article very much. Rebbetzin Jungreis gives you such an inspirational feeling all the time. I love to listen to her.

(11)
Gordon Hikel,
March 21, 2005 12:00 AM

Help the World to always remember the cost of Apathy

While certain conclusions are open for debate (for example, that ultimately the Holocaust is to inspire Jews), I enjoyed reading the article because it is a reminder to us that the world sholud never forget the causes, cost and consequences of the Holocaust.
I am an African-American male who is always looking for ways to inform/educate my children about the horrors of the Holocaust. In particular, I talk to my kids about the Holocaust being perpetrated by highly educated people because we have been told for so long that education, rather than God, is the cure for our social evils. The Holocaust stands as a constant reminder that life without God is meaningless and without purpose, and that Human Beings have apurpose for living and intrinsic value because we are God's children.
Thanks for the work you do.

(10)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2005 12:00 AM

More on Bergen -Belsen

My father comes from a small town not far from where Rebbetzin Jungreis, comes from and was also in Bergen - Belsen. My father was i a work camp in Austria for Rosh Hashnah in 1944, and while they did not have a shofar, there was a chazan amongst his group, who davened with them after the days work was done. My father managed to hold onto a pair of Tefillin throughout his time in labor and concentration camp. For Passover in 1945 in Belsen, they somehow managed to accumulate some flour and were able to bake matza. Every story of survival and every child and grandchild born to survivors is a testment to the Jewish People , and a validation that "AM YISROEL CHAI". I teach this to my children who are still very young, and I pray that G-d wiling one day they will teach it to their children. I cannot agree with the Rebetzin however that we are stronger than ever. One only has to look at the intermarriage rate, and we see Jews disappearing all too quickly. Unfortunately intermarriage may succeed where all the evil animals of the past could not.

(9)
leah finkelstein,
March 21, 2005 12:00 AM

i am truly amazed!

Need i say more? Amazing!

(8)
Fred Le iine,
March 20, 2005 12:00 AM

tears

I am Boruch Hashem 82 and the story brought tears to my eyes

(7)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2005 12:00 AM

Jewish pride is EVERYTHING! My 2-1/2 year old granddaughter was riding in the car with me, and since she was born, I always had yiddish music tapes in the car. She wanted to hear music. I said, "Should I sing?" She said no. I said, "Radio?" She said no. When I asked her if she wanted to hear Jewish music, she said "yes" and loved the tape I put in. I am a very lucky bubby!

(6)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2005 12:00 AM

the Rebbetzin's theology is off the mark

With all due respect, it is hard to accept the Rebbetzin's claim that Judaism is thriving and that the Holocaust has served as a source of inspiration for Jews to return to G-d. While the growth of Yeshivot in the US & Israel has been remarkable, the overall picture of Jewish national commitment in both countries is rather dismal. In the US alone the 2001 Jewish Population Survey indicated that between the years 1991-2001 more that 800,000 American Jews started practicing Christianity or now practice no religion whatsoever. That's about 20 times the number of presumed Baalei Teshuva (4,000 a year) during the same period. The numbers of Orthodox drop-outs is also horrendous. How else explain the lack of demographic growth in the Orthodox community (according to this same survey) despite families with eight plus children?! To my mind, the average American Jew is turned off by the constant focus on the Holocaust and victimization, which may very well account for the large numbers of unaffiliated and alienated Jews. It's time to convince the Jewish leadership and the philanthropists who have allocated billions of dollars to build Holocaust museums, that this money could be used far more effectively to preserve Jewish life by focusing on the positive in Judaism and its revolutionary contributions to humankind

(5)
E.Richardson,
March 19, 2005 12:00 AM

Outstanding

We need more dialog. Just to interesting to stop here.

(4)
Menashe Kaltmann,
March 19, 2005 12:00 AM

I am sorry to disagree...

A very interesting article about a very interesting an inspiring personality. May G-d Bless The Rebbetzin and her whole family with good health and happiness.

However I have to disagree with some of the opinions expressed by The Rebebtzin. When she says"
That's why I believe the term 'Holocaust survivor' is erroneous. The Jewish people did not merely 'survive' the Holocaust."

I have to disagree. The few who survived are to be accorded great honour and respect especially those who married Jewish and brought up their families as proud Jews. The term survivor is a "zechus" someone who went through "Gehennum" hell on this world and survived deserves our full respect.

(3)
Celia Leal da Costa,
March 18, 2005 12:00 AM

Yad Vashem

Dear Rabbis,

I am deeply moved by the interview with Rebbetzin Jungreis on the inauguration of the new Yad Vashem.

(2)
SHIRLEY SCHWARTZ,
March 17, 2005 12:00 AM

I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT THE HOLOCAUST WAS THE VEHICLE FOR THE BIRTH OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL. I FELT SUCH WARMTH WHEN I READ THE PART ABOUT BLOWING SHOFAR IN THE CAMPS. WHEN I HEAR SHOFAR BLOWN AT ROSH HASHANNA AND YOM KIPPUR I GET SO EMOTIONAL THAT I CRY. THIS PAST YOM KIPPUR ANY ONE WHO HAD A SHOFAR AND WISHED TO BLOW IT WAS WELCOMED TO DO SO. MY MOTHER, MAY SHE REST IN PEACE, BROUGHT MY FAMILY A SHOFAR FROM ISRAEL. MY HUSBAND BLEW THAT SHOFAR AFTER SERVICES. I WAS SO PROUD OF HIM AND PROUD TO BE A JEW. WORDS CANNOT EXPLAIN THE FEELING I HAD. I FELT SAFE AND SECURE AS IF I WAS IN THE PRESENCE OF HASHEM.

(1)
Anonymous,
March 16, 2005 12:00 AM

The Cradle is our triumph

We bring children into this world who, in spite of our short comings, are drawn like magnets to Torah and Mitzvot. We are blessed, and we honor the six million each time we bring a child into this world to perpetuate what Hitler tried to distroy. G-d bless Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis and her message.

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!